The Investiture Controversy

The Investiture Controversy was a conflict in the late 11th and early 12th centuries between the Pope and European monarchs over who had the authority to appoint bishops and invest them with power. Kings wanted to control religious appointments to strengthen their influence, while the Pope sought to maintain the Church's independence and spiritual authority. This struggle highlighted tensions between secular and religious power, ultimately leading to greater papal authority and changes in the role of the Church in political affairs. The controversy was resolved partially at the Concordat of Worms in 1122, which established a compromise between the two sides.